Sergeant Ishmael Matjeka of the serial and electronic crime investigations (SECI) unit in Limpopo, has made a name for himself for helping put serial rapists behind bars.
Matjeka, 36, collects evidence, interviews witnesses and follows up on any information related to the cases he is working on. He also submits reports to the prosecutors and often testifies in court during trial.
The SECI is a provincial policing unit that falls under the family violence, child protection and sexual offences (FCS) unit of the SA Police Service.
Matjeka has been a police officer for 11 years. He has helped put close to 20 serial rapists behind bars for life. The first one was during his time at the Groblersdal FCS unit. The other 18 convictions were during his time at the SECI.
He has done this by using DNA, forensic evidence and by putting together thorough reports for the prosecutors.
“Every time a victim comes to report a rape, the lab collects DNA samples, which it puts on file. If the DNA is identical to other samples they have on file, then it is known that a serial rapist is operating in the area. Once the lab notices this pattern, the case is passed on to us at the SECI.”
Matjeka is now working on 39 cases related to gender-based violence (GBV).
What to do if you are raped
Matjeka advises a rape survivor to immediately go to the nearest police station to report the rape. He says that the person must not take a bath, which might destroy DNA evidence. In addition, they must take along the clothes they were wearing, because these too can provide crucial evidence.
He says rape survivors should be given priority at police stations and will be assisted by an officer trained in assisting GBV survivors.
If a victim is able to give a statement before receiving medical treatment, this will be done before the victim is taken to hospital by the police, for a doctor’s examination.
The evidence collected during the examination is put in the sexual assault evidence collection kit, to be tested and analysed at a lab, says Matjeka.
He urges the police and community to work together to solve GBV cases.
“I urge men and women to not only speak out but act against GBV by reporting it to the police before lives are lost.”
To report a rape, call 10111, or visit your nearest police station.
– This article first appeared in the GCIS Vuk'uzenzele
Matjeka has his eyes trained on scourge of rape
Officer helped put close to 20 serial rapists behind bars for life
Image: Vukuzenzele
Sergeant Ishmael Matjeka of the serial and electronic crime investigations (SECI) unit in Limpopo, has made a name for himself for helping put serial rapists behind bars.
Matjeka, 36, collects evidence, interviews witnesses and follows up on any information related to the cases he is working on. He also submits reports to the prosecutors and often testifies in court during trial.
The SECI is a provincial policing unit that falls under the family violence, child protection and sexual offences (FCS) unit of the SA Police Service.
Matjeka has been a police officer for 11 years. He has helped put close to 20 serial rapists behind bars for life. The first one was during his time at the Groblersdal FCS unit. The other 18 convictions were during his time at the SECI.
He has done this by using DNA, forensic evidence and by putting together thorough reports for the prosecutors.
“Every time a victim comes to report a rape, the lab collects DNA samples, which it puts on file. If the DNA is identical to other samples they have on file, then it is known that a serial rapist is operating in the area. Once the lab notices this pattern, the case is passed on to us at the SECI.”
Matjeka is now working on 39 cases related to gender-based violence (GBV).
What to do if you are raped
Matjeka advises a rape survivor to immediately go to the nearest police station to report the rape. He says that the person must not take a bath, which might destroy DNA evidence. In addition, they must take along the clothes they were wearing, because these too can provide crucial evidence.
He says rape survivors should be given priority at police stations and will be assisted by an officer trained in assisting GBV survivors.
If a victim is able to give a statement before receiving medical treatment, this will be done before the victim is taken to hospital by the police, for a doctor’s examination.
The evidence collected during the examination is put in the sexual assault evidence collection kit, to be tested and analysed at a lab, says Matjeka.
He urges the police and community to work together to solve GBV cases.
“I urge men and women to not only speak out but act against GBV by reporting it to the police before lives are lost.”
To report a rape, call 10111, or visit your nearest police station.
– This article first appeared in the GCIS Vuk'uzenzele
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